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Tales of Magic #6
The Well-Wishers
The wishing well is all used up, its magic drained, its enchantment gone dry.
Or has it?
In a reckless moment, Gordy threatens the old well, telling it to get going with its magic o r else! and that seems to do the trick. Suddenly Laura, Lydia, James, and Kip—who feared their autumn would unfold without magic—are plunged into just the sort of outlandish adventures they'd longed for.
But is it really the well's magic that transforms troublemaker Dicky LeBaron from ne'er-do-well to hero? Or keeps Appledore's orchard—and love life—in bloom? Or sends James on a doubly daring rescue of a damsel in distress?
What does it matter? Sometimes the best kind of magic is the kind that isn't so magical at all. . . .
Or has it?
In a reckless moment, Gordy threatens the old well, telling it to get going with its magic o r else! and that seems to do the trick. Suddenly Laura, Lydia, James, and Kip—who feared their autumn would unfold without magic—are plunged into just the sort of outlandish adventures they'd longed for.
But is it really the well's magic that transforms troublemaker Dicky LeBaron from ne'er-do-well to hero? Or keeps Appledore's orchard—and love life—in bloom? Or sends James on a doubly daring rescue of a damsel in distress?
What does it matter? Sometimes the best kind of magic is the kind that isn't so magical at all. . . .
220 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1960
39 people are currently reading
1070 people want to read
About the author
Edward Eager
30 books325 followersEager was born in and grew up in Toledo, Ohio and attended Harvard University, class of 1935. After graduation, he moved to New York City, where he lived for 14 years before moving to Connecticut. He married Jane Eberly in 1938 and they had a son, Fritz.
Eager was a childhood fan of L. Frank Baum's Oz series, and started writing children's books when he could not find stories he wanted to read to his own young son. In his books, Eager often acknowledges his debt to E. Nesbit, whom he thought of as the best children's author of all time.
A well-known lyricist and playwright, Eager died on October 23, 1964 in Stamford, Connecticut, at the age of fifty-three.
Eager was a childhood fan of L. Frank Baum's Oz series, and started writing children's books when he could not find stories he wanted to read to his own young son. In his books, Eager often acknowledges his debt to E. Nesbit, whom he thought of as the best children's author of all time.
A well-known lyricist and playwright, Eager died on October 23, 1964 in Stamford, Connecticut, at the age of fifty-three.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
March 18, 2017
Another great book in the Edward Eager collection. This one is a bit different from the others, even somewhat different than the preceding one, though it features the same group of children. It is written as though from the perspective of each of the children, which gives it a nice character. And the focus is on growing up and doing good for neighbors. Well written, as ever, and a delight to read.
September 30, 2021
Normally I'm not a huge fan of books with shifting perspectives (although, to be fair, I have not read many like that), but I loved that aspect in this one. The kids are great, so I enjoyed hearing from each one individually. Gordy's storyline is very touching with the way he helps Sylvia (I wish there was more of her) and how the other kids come to appreciate him. I'm sure we have all known people who are very nice and we feel we should like but are also annoyed by.
This one does not have as much "magic" as I was hoping for. It's mainly a book about everyday life. But it's a delightful one nonetheless.
This one does not have as much "magic" as I was hoping for. It's mainly a book about everyday life. But it's a delightful one nonetheless.
December 29, 2014
Awesome, as usual. This and Magic or Not? are probably my favourite in the series. There's that chill you get when the coincidences stack up and you debate with yourself whether there was magic or not? Plus the old world charm is, well, perfectly charming.
Unfortunately, James, Kip and Laura were hardly in the this book. However, I enjoyed Gordy and Dicky's growing-up, and love Lydia to bits, so it was alright. Surprisingly, there was no mention of Deborah's strange low voice, and she seems almost normal in this book except for a few instances where she starts talking about squirrels or something. I liked how weird she was. Weird baby.
Anyway, the different voices Eager wrote in were pretty cool, but it kind of excluded the rest when the 'I' was used. Especially since they seemed to have an adventure each of their own here. It's sad that they're all growing up. But it has to be done! The only constant is change.
Unfortunately, James, Kip and Laura were hardly in the this book. However, I enjoyed Gordy and Dicky's growing-up, and love Lydia to bits, so it was alright. Surprisingly, there was no mention of Deborah's strange low voice, and she seems almost normal in this book except for a few instances where she starts talking about squirrels or something. I liked how weird she was. Weird baby.
Anyway, the different voices Eager wrote in were pretty cool, but it kind of excluded the rest when the 'I' was used. Especially since they seemed to have an adventure each of their own here. It's sad that they're all growing up. But it has to be done! The only constant is change.
October 6, 2022
Ordinarily it would be a strong 4-stars from me, but knowing it's Eager's last book (that I haven't already read), hence the last one that I will read, gave everything just an extra soupçon of meaning and resonance. By the time I finished I was a bit blubbery—had this been written by Angus McCurrent-Writer, that wouldn't have happened. Still, one can't help it.
I wasn't as keen on the previous one (Magic or Not?) as I'm such a fantasy buff I get a bit irritated when clearly it's not actually a fantasy, it's just the characters who interpret events as if it were. But this time, prepped, I was ready for it, and I loved it. The real magic is people doing things for one another, and feeling a certain way, which means I can (and do) have magic in my life all the time. So whereas last time I was a bit put out, this time I was exceptionally moved. Plus ça change. (I don't normally use so many cedillas, what's got into me?)
I have recently stumbled upon Goodreads' ability to allow me to prioritize my "want to read" books, and this ended up being #1. If you prioritize your sequence, and your wants (and purchases) exceed your reach (i.e. you add more wants than you read) you can be sure you will never get to the last books on your priority list, so I was able to give them away. A wonderful feeling of lightness! And now I shall only read exactly what I want to in "icing first" order ... I'm old enough and I've earned it. To paraphrase Wilde, from now on I shall live entirely for pleasure.
Note: I have written a novel (not yet published), so now I will suffer pangs of guilt every time I offer less than five stars. In my subjective opinion, the stars suggest:
(5* = one of my all-time favourites, 4* = really enjoyed it, 3* = readable but not thrilling, 2* = actually disappointing, and 1* = hated it. As a statistician I know most books are 3s, but I am biased in my selection and end up mostly with 4s, thank goodness.)
I wasn't as keen on the previous one (Magic or Not?) as I'm such a fantasy buff I get a bit irritated when clearly it's not actually a fantasy, it's just the characters who interpret events as if it were. But this time, prepped, I was ready for it, and I loved it. The real magic is people doing things for one another, and feeling a certain way, which means I can (and do) have magic in my life all the time. So whereas last time I was a bit put out, this time I was exceptionally moved. Plus ça change. (I don't normally use so many cedillas, what's got into me?)
I have recently stumbled upon Goodreads' ability to allow me to prioritize my "want to read" books, and this ended up being #1. If you prioritize your sequence, and your wants (and purchases) exceed your reach (i.e. you add more wants than you read) you can be sure you will never get to the last books on your priority list, so I was able to give them away. A wonderful feeling of lightness! And now I shall only read exactly what I want to in "icing first" order ... I'm old enough and I've earned it. To paraphrase Wilde, from now on I shall live entirely for pleasure.
Note: I have written a novel (not yet published), so now I will suffer pangs of guilt every time I offer less than five stars. In my subjective opinion, the stars suggest:
(5* = one of my all-time favourites, 4* = really enjoyed it, 3* = readable but not thrilling, 2* = actually disappointing, and 1* = hated it. As a statistician I know most books are 3s, but I am biased in my selection and end up mostly with 4s, thank goodness.)
April 18, 2020
Okay, maybe I needed to read this book before ranting on about Magic or Not, because this book makes up for the terrible ending of the last book. While, yes, I did like the book because it is the reality of life: magic may exist, or it may not. This book seems like Edward Eager tried to fit the magic back in and continue the last book, but, no, it still doesn’t capture the magic charm of the series. I feel like this should be a different series because it doesn’t fit in a series called Tales of Magic and I said this once already. Overall, it feels off for some reason, making it not fit in the Tales of Magic series, but if you consider nothing else, it was decent.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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May 23, 2025This along with Magic or Not? follow a bit more realistic type of magic- the magic of being a good, nice neighbor, friend and community member.
August 12, 2020
Awww... I appreciated Eager's adding in the gradual maturation of the characters more now. I find it interesting the way values have flipped, particularly with one character. But it was just a lovely book and I found a beautiful wisdom in his dealing with differences.
January 12, 2018
I love the way the author writes this beautiful fantasy story while overall maintaining a plausible plot. The fantasy isn’t overdone. The main characters are all so lovable. I loved seeing the different view points and writing styles of the various characters and seeing them grow.
March 12, 2023
The five children are back for more magic from their wishing well. But this time the magic is including all sorts of unsuitable people in their adventures, and the children aren't sure if they can accept these new people encroaching on their magic business.
Can the school bully really be reformed by the magic, or does he deserve to be punished for his previous schoolyard crimes? Will the children try to help an extremely annoying opera diva, or will they avoid her like the plague? And what about the crazy witch-lady from the local insane asylum? Surely, the magic wouldn't expect them to make friends with a dangerous witch! But somehow the magic pulls through, the children find the courage and resourcefulness to overcome every obstacle, and they spread some good magic around their neighborhood while still having fun! They learn that anyone can become a friend if only you show them acceptance and kindness.
The only thing that I didn't like about this book was the changing POV. Each chapter is written by a different member of the Wishing-Well group, and while I thought it was interesting to see how they each had their own voice and unique perspective, changing POVs is one of my pet peeves. It IS well done in this book, but no matter how well-written, it still grates on my nerves. That's just me.
Otherwise, this is a 5-star book! The characters grow and make mistakes and have break-through ideas. The plot turns around in unexpected ways, and the writing is funny and bright. Even rereading this for the 2nd time, I was engaged and entertained and loving it!
Can the school bully really be reformed by the magic, or does he deserve to be punished for his previous schoolyard crimes? Will the children try to help an extremely annoying opera diva, or will they avoid her like the plague? And what about the crazy witch-lady from the local insane asylum? Surely, the magic wouldn't expect them to make friends with a dangerous witch! But somehow the magic pulls through, the children find the courage and resourcefulness to overcome every obstacle, and they spread some good magic around their neighborhood while still having fun! They learn that anyone can become a friend if only you show them acceptance and kindness.
The only thing that I didn't like about this book was the changing POV. Each chapter is written by a different member of the Wishing-Well group, and while I thought it was interesting to see how they each had their own voice and unique perspective, changing POVs is one of my pet peeves. It IS well done in this book, but no matter how well-written, it still grates on my nerves. That's just me.
Otherwise, this is a 5-star book! The characters grow and make mistakes and have break-through ideas. The plot turns around in unexpected ways, and the writing is funny and bright. Even rereading this for the 2nd time, I was engaged and entertained and loving it!
June 21, 2016
This is the sixth book in the Tales of Magic series by Edward Eager.
interesting quotes:
"Physical violence never solved anything in the world, we all realize." (p. 3)
"Sticks and stones may break your bones, but names and plain truths and meanness can go much deeper and cut you to the quick." (pp. 18-19)
"The books tell all about knights and musketeers rescuing beautiful damsels. But they never put in what Lancelot said to Elaine on the ride home. Or D'Artagnan to Milady de Winter, either." (p. 190)
"It's the way they look at things, as if anything could happen the next minute. And generally something does. If you want to call it believing in magic, okay, call it that." (pp. 214-215)
new word: doughty
interesting quotes:
"Physical violence never solved anything in the world, we all realize." (p. 3)
"Sticks and stones may break your bones, but names and plain truths and meanness can go much deeper and cut you to the quick." (pp. 18-19)
"The books tell all about knights and musketeers rescuing beautiful damsels. But they never put in what Lancelot said to Elaine on the ride home. Or D'Artagnan to Milady de Winter, either." (p. 190)
"It's the way they look at things, as if anything could happen the next minute. And generally something does. If you want to call it believing in magic, okay, call it that." (pp. 214-215)
new word: doughty
June 5, 2016
This is one of Edward Eager's cheesiest books. I know it's meant to be a deeper read (not as magic, more good deeds and such), but that makes it not as much fun. The problems throughout the book are all solved much too quickly, with very little plot arc.
December 30, 2016
Edward Eager's books were stories I loved as a child and having re-read them as an adult I still quite enjoy them. The stories and characters hold up to the test of time. These books are clever and intriguing and the characters are very endearing.
September 6, 2016
Besides the first in the series, this one has been my favorite.
July 18, 2018
This is the first Edgar Eager book I did not love!
The unfolding of the characters true natures through the eyes of their friends and themselves was actually fantastic. It propelled the story forward. It was the only thing that kept me reading.
I took particular issue with how one of the stories was handled.
SPOILERS
About midway through the book there is a great deal of hoopla in this little Connecticut town because an African American family is moving in. A cohort of townspeople want to make it clear to the family that they are not welcome. The kids telling the story want to create another and bigger group of people to welcome the family. This would have made a reasonable story and a possibility for further discussion with my children.
However, Eager didn't come out and say the family was African American. He spends an entire chapter discussing this mysterious family that "the Smugs," as Eager names them, don't want in their town. He gives the reader no explanation of why! I had my suspicions, but these were not confirmed until the end of the next chapter when the youngest child *sees* the father of the new family and proclaims, "Oh! Is that all it was?"
Puhleeeease. If you're going to write about race, even in the 1960s, you've got to be a little more obvious about it. Being embarrassed or coy or smug (which is the feeling I got) does not help matters in the least.
We had before this book read Because of Winn-Dixie and Kate DiCamillo handles death, war, neglect, and sorrow and she looks 'em straight in the face, and, honestly, I could still read the book to a six year old. The Well-Wishers was a sorry follow up.
The unfolding of the characters true natures through the eyes of their friends and themselves was actually fantastic. It propelled the story forward. It was the only thing that kept me reading.
I took particular issue with how one of the stories was handled.
SPOILERS
About midway through the book there is a great deal of hoopla in this little Connecticut town because an African American family is moving in. A cohort of townspeople want to make it clear to the family that they are not welcome. The kids telling the story want to create another and bigger group of people to welcome the family. This would have made a reasonable story and a possibility for further discussion with my children.
However, Eager didn't come out and say the family was African American. He spends an entire chapter discussing this mysterious family that "the Smugs," as Eager names them, don't want in their town. He gives the reader no explanation of why! I had my suspicions, but these were not confirmed until the end of the next chapter when the youngest child *sees* the father of the new family and proclaims, "Oh! Is that all it was?"
Puhleeeease. If you're going to write about race, even in the 1960s, you've got to be a little more obvious about it. Being embarrassed or coy or smug (which is the feeling I got) does not help matters in the least.
We had before this book read Because of Winn-Dixie and Kate DiCamillo handles death, war, neglect, and sorrow and she looks 'em straight in the face, and, honestly, I could still read the book to a six year old. The Well-Wishers was a sorry follow up.
November 6, 2020
I have such mixed emotions about the books with James and Laura and friends. My favorite thing about the first few books in this series is there is actual 100% magic. The ones with James and Laura have the reader decide if it's the wishes on the well, or if it's just basically coincidence. And while I really love the fact that the kids are kind of "looking" for good turns to do whether it be the well's magic or not, I really miss the 100% for sure magic aspect.
The adventures and wishes each kid gets in this book are really heartwarming. Well, mostly. Gordy gets to help a little girl whose parents have recently died kind of step out of her depression. Laura helps a man find a new place for his apple orchard, Kip gets to speak out against the "smugs" who don't want a particular family to move into their neighborhood due to the color of their skin and help make them feel welcome. Lydia however, tries to out-bully the bullies which turns out to be a pretty funny wish.
One of the biggest wishes in this book (Kip's) is about certain groups of people not being accepting of other groups of people and even though this book was written in 1960, the same issues arise in the present times. Which is super unfortunate, but the kids are so adamant about making these people feel at home and being inclusive. The lesson is great.
Definitely a solid book in the series even though it doesn't have proven magic.
The adventures and wishes each kid gets in this book are really heartwarming. Well, mostly. Gordy gets to help a little girl whose parents have recently died kind of step out of her depression. Laura helps a man find a new place for his apple orchard, Kip gets to speak out against the "smugs" who don't want a particular family to move into their neighborhood due to the color of their skin and help make them feel welcome. Lydia however, tries to out-bully the bullies which turns out to be a pretty funny wish.
One of the biggest wishes in this book (Kip's) is about certain groups of people not being accepting of other groups of people and even though this book was written in 1960, the same issues arise in the present times. Which is super unfortunate, but the kids are so adamant about making these people feel at home and being inclusive. The lesson is great.
Definitely a solid book in the series even though it doesn't have proven magic.
June 23, 2018
I have long loved Edward Eager's tales of magic and was delighted to find this first edition from the UK which in its former life was part of a library in Glasgow. It's been a while since I've read this one, enough to make it seem entirely new. I think in the past, I might'nt have liked it as much as the others because this one had very practical, everyday sorts of events that had nicely unexpected results. It had a theme of being grateful for what one has and helping others, no matter how hopeless the cause. You know, the magic in things around us. It was comforting to me right now when I am wondering about what impact my life has had, if any, on those around me. Maybe I can think I've done some little magic somehow in my relationships with people at work, the students I've gotten to know and my family. I love them all and wish them all well. That makes me a Well-Wisher, I suppose.
August 23, 2018
This is the sequel to Magic or Not? In this one, the magic wishing well is up to its old tricks. The children make wishes, but they're not sure if it's really the well. This book, oddly enough, is written in first person, from multiple perspectives of the children. My favourite one was the "Anonymous" chapter that gives several clues as to the identity of the character. Of course, it's easy to figure out who the character is!
The "magic" in these two books are not as prominent. I do love the story about the new family moving in which caused within the community. Eager doesn't ever say exactly what the "problem" is, but it becomes clear (at least to an adult) that this is a black family moving in. (The book was written in the 1960s.) I love how little Deborah puts it when she first meets the family: "Oh, that's what the fuss is all about." And I love the friendship that develops between her and the little boy, Hannibal.
[3.5 Stars]
The "magic" in these two books are not as prominent. I do love the story about the new family moving in which caused within the community. Eager doesn't ever say exactly what the "problem" is, but it becomes clear (at least to an adult) that this is a black family moving in. (The book was written in the 1960s.) I love how little Deborah puts it when she first meets the family: "Oh, that's what the fuss is all about." And I love the friendship that develops between her and the little boy, Hannibal.
[3.5 Stars]
September 5, 2023
(This is a reread from when I was younger)
I actually really liked this book 😭 I feel like it was most people’s least favorites in the series but I was a kid who really liked reading about normal people doing maybe slightly less then normal things. I also really liked the switching perspectives in this one. I didn’t love the white-saviorness of the chapter that unfortunately one of my favorites narrates (KIP IS ALWAYS GETTING SNUBBED), but the one following it does get fairly self aware about it, at least on a sixties standard. In general on a sixties standard I don’t think it’s done too egregiously poorly but it’s not really my place to say.
To summarize it: this book is sixty percent the characters actually doing good turns and forty percent a character wonderfully named “Dicky” losing the idgaf war with such intensity I was wondering why he even tried. Sorry dude but you should’ve gotten on Lydia’s level
I actually really liked this book 😭 I feel like it was most people’s least favorites in the series but I was a kid who really liked reading about normal people doing maybe slightly less then normal things. I also really liked the switching perspectives in this one. I didn’t love the white-saviorness of the chapter that unfortunately one of my favorites narrates (KIP IS ALWAYS GETTING SNUBBED), but the one following it does get fairly self aware about it, at least on a sixties standard. In general on a sixties standard I don’t think it’s done too egregiously poorly but it’s not really my place to say.
To summarize it: this book is sixty percent the characters actually doing good turns and forty percent a character wonderfully named “Dicky” losing the idgaf war with such intensity I was wondering why he even tried. Sorry dude but you should’ve gotten on Lydia’s level
December 18, 2024
I appreciated Eager having the kids fight for civil rights. A Black family was moving into the neighborhood and the kids helped get support for them and welcome them. And the author beat around the bush on what the problem was in this family. The closest he came was having the youngest kid look at them and say so THAT was what got half the village excited? I’m not even sure if a kid reading this today would figure it out! However, the emphasis on magic was pretty low in this one. There was pretty much an acknowledgement in this one that the kids were aging out of believing in fantasy. As a person in their sixties, I object to that! This is considered the sixth of seven in the series but I’ve already read that, so I can cross this series off my list for next year! I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the Eager titles, even this one. Recommended for fantasy loving youth, especially the best known title: Half Magic!
September 26, 2019
This book was really slow moving and boring to read. I took a long break from it and then the past few days I have been trying to finish it so I can move on to the last Edward Eager book.
I remember looking at the Edward Eager books on the shelf of the library when I was little and I thought they looked interesting. I think I just really liked the pictures and the titles with the word magic intrigued me. But I wasn't much of a reader then and I thought the books looked too advanced for me to read so I never checked them out.
I set it as a goal to read the books now that I'm older. I don't think I would have liked this book as a kid. So far I like the Half Magic book the best. I'll see what I think about Seven Day Magic. I'm hoping it's better than this book.
I remember looking at the Edward Eager books on the shelf of the library when I was little and I thought they looked interesting. I think I just really liked the pictures and the titles with the word magic intrigued me. But I wasn't much of a reader then and I thought the books looked too advanced for me to read so I never checked them out.
I set it as a goal to read the books now that I'm older. I don't think I would have liked this book as a kid. So far I like the Half Magic book the best. I'll see what I think about Seven Day Magic. I'm hoping it's better than this book.
January 29, 2021
Surprisingly this sequel to Magic or Not, Eager's weakest book, is a very fun story. The surprising part is that it has the same premise — the kids do good deeds, hoping that the maybe-magic wishing well in their yard will help — but here it works.
Part of the appeal is that it's written in a series of first person narrations. Eager has a good kid-voice, where everything sounds a little bit more melodramatic than it really is, and it pays off. It also gives us good insight into some of the characters.
A major plot point is a black family moving into the neighborhood despite protests. It's striking that Eager doesn't come out and say this explicitly, leaving everyone to infer it. Was he working around editors? Upset parents? It feels weird but that aside I think he handles it decently.
Part of the appeal is that it's written in a series of first person narrations. Eager has a good kid-voice, where everything sounds a little bit more melodramatic than it really is, and it pays off. It also gives us good insight into some of the characters.
A major plot point is a black family moving into the neighborhood despite protests. It's striking that Eager doesn't come out and say this explicitly, leaving everyone to infer it. Was he working around editors? Upset parents? It feels weird but that aside I think he handles it decently.
September 3, 2023
While I enjoyed this book, it didn't seem to hold up as well as the others in the series. It seems upon reading I was supposed to know who the six children were who the story focuses on mainly but I couldn't recall them.
Still, it was a fun story though the 'magic' in this one was more child-inspired than the actual magic that happened in the previous books in the series - it was more kids stumbling upon something after making a wish in the well and then taking action to make their own magic, rather than an outside force causing things to happen.
Which is probably a Very Good Thing as it shows children they can make their own magic...but I was wanting something with Actual Magic and this didn't have it.
Still, it was a fun story though the 'magic' in this one was more child-inspired than the actual magic that happened in the previous books in the series - it was more kids stumbling upon something after making a wish in the well and then taking action to make their own magic, rather than an outside force causing things to happen.
Which is probably a Very Good Thing as it shows children they can make their own magic...but I was wanting something with Actual Magic and this didn't have it.
November 8, 2017
I really like how this book and that last book use a subtle form of magic. It really makes you wonder if it is magic or not. But not only that but this book also tackles the moral issue of accepting others which was a big issue when this book was written... and sadly it is still a big issue. You would think that we would have been able to put that behind us now and move on but we still struggle. Some people may not think this is appropriate to put in a children's book. But Eager does it in such a way that it is not in your face and it fits well with the story. Definitely a good read for all children!
November 1, 2025
A little bit lame. But also a little bit sweet. The magic is barely there in this one, except for the magic of everything just working out, with the good people triumphing every time. There is a bit where a black family is going to be the first black family moving in - and yet those words are never used - it is just danced around. I'm thinking it said something odd about the times. The book wasn't bad, just kind of milquetoast.
July 20, 2017
This is the one that broke me. I was okay with the previous one, with the magic not really being real, being the product of the children's good deeds, but this one was too disjointed for me. I don't know if it was the transition into an "I" book from each of the character's perspectives or something else. Anyway, while still delightful this one lost a bit of the magic for me.
July 14, 2019
I just adore this series by Edward Eager and I will never forget that it was thanks to Alice Hoffman’s books that I even got to know them. I’m stupidly grateful that I came across these wonderful tales of magic. They are super entertaining, endearing and funny to read. Perfect summer readings, full of magic. These books warm my heart.
October 12, 2020
This one is sort of fun as the perspective cycles through the group and near the end the book starts to comment on how childish the stories are. The handling of the family moving to town is perhaps my favorite, though the Dicky story was also good. Just the fact that the reader fills in what should be ostracizing this family, the story never says.
September 17, 2017
This was my favorite book as a child. I was happy to find it on eBay and am reliving a more innocent time. It's reminded me of a more idealistic me, when I believed in magic and the good in the world.
June 12, 2019
Notable Content: Some judgmental thoughts about someone's weight. Bullying. A** meaning donkey. Someone's called a boob. A crush, glimpses of dating; nothing more serious than hand holding and whispering.
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